Which option suits you?

People with coeliac disease who check labels carefully

A clear gluten-free label is essential. Products containing oats need extra attention, as oats can come into contact with gluten-containing cereals during production or processing.

People who take breakfast with them

An individual portion can be convenient, but the packaging alone won’t tell you whether you can eat the product without a bowl, water, milk or refrigeration. Compare the preparation instructions with what you’ll have available when you’re out and about.

People who also compare nutritional content

Once you’ve checked for a gluten-free label, fibre, sugars, salt and other allergens may help you decide between products. Compare the nutritional information per 100 g and per portion, and check the latest allergen information.

What should you look for?

For a quick breakfast when you have coeliac disease, check for a gluten-free label first. Then choose a product that suits where you’ll be eating and how much preparation you can manage.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it matters to
Gluten-free label Check the label and the latest ingredient and allergen information on the packaging. If the product contains oats, make sure it is explicitly labelled gluten-free. I want to know which breakfast cereals I can choose with coeliac disease, including those containing oats. For around 46% of consumers, this reassurance is the deciding factor.
Preparation and portability Check the number of portions and the preparation instructions. See whether you’ll need a bowl, something to serve it with or refrigeration. If I’m short on time or eating breakfast away from home, I want to know what I’ll need to do when I get there. Convenience is the top priority for around 36% of consumers.
Nutritional content Compare fibre, sugars and salt per 100 g and per portion. Also check the information about other allergens. I want to compare products labelled gluten-free by their nutritional value and any other allergens. This is the most important factor for around 18% of consumers.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming that oats, corn or rice automatically make a product gluten-free

    The type of cereal used doesn’t tell you everything about the finished product. The European Union sets conditions for using the ‘gluten-free’ label; for oats, contamination with wheat, rye and barley must also be prevented throughout the supply chain.

    Check that the product itself is labelled gluten-free. The Dutch Coeliac Association recommends choosing oats with the Crossed Grain trademark, where possible.

  • Assuming a convenient multipack is a gluten-free option

    A small pack doesn’t change the ingredients. According to Kellogg’s Dutch product information, Smacks contains wheat; Variety contains, among other ingredients, wheat flour, barley malt extract and wheat gluten.

    Check the current gluten-free label and ingredients list on a pack designed for taking with you, too. Don’t rely on its size or brand.

  • Assuming gluten-free means a particular nutritional profile

    Gluten-free doesn’t tell you how much fibre, sugar or salt a product contains, and it doesn’t rule out other allergens. For example, Albert Heijn states that AH Glutenvrij Vezelrijke bran flakes may contain milk, lactose, almonds and hazelnuts.

    Compare the nutritional information for the products you’re considering per 100 g and per portion. Check the packaging separately for other allergens.

  • Relying on online category information alone

    A category page doesn’t show the preparation method, ingredients and allergens for every product. Product information can also change.

    Use the category to compare options, then check the packaging of your chosen product before using it.

Brands and product ranges to consider

AH Glutenvrij

Albert Heijn’s gluten-free range includes flakes, muesli, granola and porridge oats. This lets you compare different types of breakfast.

  • Albert Heijn states that AH Glutenvrij Vezelrijke bran flakes contain 12 g of fibre per 100 g and are made in a completely gluten-free environment.
  • The same product information says they may contain milk, lactose, almonds and hazelnuts. Check this information if you also need to avoid these ingredients.

Freee

Albert Heijn lists Freee Chocolate Stars as gluten-free chocolate-flavoured cereal.

  • The product information lists cornflour and rice flour, and says the product is vegan.
  • Albert Heijn lists 24 g of sugars and 3.5 g of fibre per 100 g. Compare these figures with other products if nutritional content matters to you.

Elovena

Albert Heijn lists Elovena Natural instant oatmeal gluten-free in its gluten-free porridge oats and porridge category, in a pack of 5.

  • Individual portions are worth considering if you want to prepare breakfast in advance or take it with you.
  • Check the preparation instructions and the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging before choosing this option for when you’re out and about.

Kellogg's

The difference between convenient packaging and ingredients is a good reminder to check each Kellogg's product individually.

  • Kellogg's Variety comes in individual portions, making it a handy option to take with you.
  • According to Kellogg's Netherlands, Smacks contains wheat. Variety contains, among other ingredients, wheat flour, barley malt extract and wheat gluten. These products aren’t suitable gluten-free options for people with coeliac disease.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is cereal made with corn or rice automatically gluten-free?

No. The main cereal ingredient alone doesn’t prove that the finished product is gluten-free. Check for an explicit gluten-free label and read the ingredients on the current packaging.

Which oats can I choose if I have coeliac disease?

Choose an oat product that is explicitly labelled gluten-free. According to the Dutch Coeliac Association, oats can come into contact with wheat, barley or rye in the supply chain. The association recommends choosing a product with the Crossed Grain trademark, where possible.

How can I take gluten-free flakes with me for a quick breakfast?

You can put a portion of flakes in a sealed container in advance, then add something to serve them with when you’re ready to eat. For AH Glutenvrij Vezelrijke bran flakes, Albert Heijn suggests options including milk, yoghurt, quark and plant-based alternatives. Check the directions for use and storage instructions for your own product, too.

Are Kellogg's Smacks and Variety gluten-free options to take with you?

No. According to Kellogg's Dutch product information, Smacks contains wheat, while Variety contains, among other ingredients, wheat flour, barley malt extract and wheat gluten. The individual portions in Variety don’t change this.

Should I check the packaging again if I already know the product?

Yes. Before using it, check the gluten-free label, ingredients and allergen information again. Albert Heijn warns that this information can change; it’s also important if you avoid allergens other than gluten.